Visit to Elementary was a HUGE Success!

After an overwhelming response to our first attempt to teach younger students, we are planning another trip!   This time we plan to work with 3rd and 5th graders at Bridge Point Elementary.

My students have voted on the school and grade level they want to visit.

Now we are preparing for our iLessons.

For 3rd grade we plan to collaborate with 3rd graders.   The 8th graders will provide the text of the eBook and the 3rd graders will illustrate and narrative the story of George Washington's Presidency.

For the 5th grade we will split into small groups and teach mini lessons that the 8th graders have prepared.

Classroom Update

With the introduction and use of iPads 1:1 in 8th grade, it became clear early in the year that my classroom was going to change!   It has in so many ways.

One unexpected change, at least to me, was the need for different furniture.   My students brought this up in November.  They said that they are uncomfortable all day long and would learn much better in a more warm and inviting environment.

After a little bit of research, its clear that my students are not alone.    It appears that individual and collaborative learning that the iPad allows, is driving a whole new 21C way of furnishing classrooms.

My students researched what models and brands they liked.   They contacted sales representatives and invited one to come meet with them in our classroom.   They moved all the furniture out of our room, took pictures, made plans and presented them to our PTO.

Here are some of the designs they made.

Here is also a thinglink picture with their ideas and the products they requested.

Collaboration across grade levels

Here is the final video of my classes' trip to Cedar Creek Elementary's 5th grade classes. Special thanks to @joliejennings, Amy Tillman, Amy Puga and Scott Johnson for making this possible.

Today we visit Cedar Creek

Today and tomorrow we are taking two classes of 8th graders to Cedar Creek to teach their 5th graders.   I am so excited to see how it all works out and what the students say about the experience.

Here are some of our students.   Nearpod was the favorite by far for both 5th and 8th graders.   WAY increased engagement and interest.





Another example of students interacting and excited about the American Revolution.

 Here is the form for 5th Graders to fill out after our project is finished.

Thinglinks and the 7 Principles of the Constitution

Thanks to MathyCathy and Techchef4u, I found ThingLink.com. Here is one I made for the 7 Principles of the Constitution.

It links to a WONDERFUL resource called Law Related Education. Feel Free to use mine or make your own.

Introducing Mrs. Tanna Fiske's class on iTunes U

Hello and WOW!   How wonderful and easy it is to create a course on iTunes U.  If you havent been there yet, take a second to click on the link above, you'll be glad you did.  I'll wait for you....go NOW, its awesome!!

For students who wish to enroll copy and paste this link

http://itunesu.itunes.apple.com/enroll/KAR-JKD-DLB

Fiskeclass Pinterest makes Top 20 Innovators List

Edudemic made a list of the top 20 innovators on Pinterest and the Fiskeclass Pinterest Boards made the list!   You can follow us at the link above or use the button on our sidebar.    It is an honor to be on the list with such distinguished educators.

See the article HERE.